1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Down south, the only proper way for any countryfried person to eat an oyster is to buy at least two fresh bushels on a nippy Friday or Saturday night. Stack some fire wood to a medium height and get the fire rolling. Embers float into the dark night sky as friends and family gather around. Laughter fills the air as the men grab a long rectangular piece of tin and lay it across the fire, held up by several large Gray bricks around the corners and center edge of the tin.

Having a water hose handy, the oysters are poured out of their burlap sacks onto another piece of tin, or something suitable to keep the oysters off the ground. Immediately after washing the oysters off good with the water hose, a shovel is used to gather them and placed them on the now scorching hot tin over the fire. Covering the oysters with their soak burlap sacks the oysters simmer and steam. Meanwhile, waiting for the delicacy,

A table is set up a few feet from the fire with oyster knives, screwdrivers, and butter knives. Gloves, preferably the water proof ones are distributed to all who devour the oysters. A concoction of mustard, ketchup and Tabasco sauce is blended together in several bowls and placed on the table. Most folks here prefer a good ole beer with an oyster, not to get drunk but a blend of tastes. Within thirty minutes, the burlap sacks are peeled off the steaming oysters. Using the shovel, the oysters are loaded up and shucked on the table. No sooner than they hit the surface, people are grabbing at the steamed treasures.

Some of them are already open needing only a pair of hands to pull the shells apart. Others need some prying with the utensils. Places the smallest edge inside the crack of closed joined shell, the utensil used is twisted left to right until the shells part revealing the delectable juicy oyster. Taking the utensil, whatever it may be, the person eating then scraps the oyster from its shell and places it into their mouths. Ah yes, the taste is often acquired. The ones that have a love for the mouthwatering jewels chew, some just swallow. First timers, don't chew at all.

Before the first oyster is down the esophagus, the second is already picked up and being opened. Over and over the ritual is done until every morsel of oyster is devoured, demolished and gone. Rarely is there ever an oyster left over after such an event. Socializing over a hot fire and oysters is the only proper way to eat them.

Learn more about this author, ProudScHeritage.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The proper way to eat oysters?
We want to hear your view. Write now!